Together with NASA, the Gaia project has developed an automatic system for growing leafy vegetables on space shuttles. Now they are looking into whether it is possible to use the technology on earth as well. In apartments, refrigerator-sized versions could provide households with what they need.
The cultivation system is described as an ultra-compact, highly efficient agriculture where light, temperature and air quality are constantly kept under control and automatically adapted as needed. Water and nutrients come in from one direction and waste materials leave in another direction. The tank additionally cleans itself through a sterilization system.
More sustainable agriculture
As the seedlings grow, the place between them is adjusted. All to use minimal space, light and water – which is necessary in spacecraft but is also advantageous on Earth.
The aim is now to use the technology to make agriculture and cultivation more sustainable, and meet future challenges.
"Climate change has a major impact on the ability to secure food production and we have a growing population," says Michael Bridges, environmental research analyst at the Gaia Project.
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